Irresistible 15-Minute Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole Recipe

You know those nights when you need something hearty, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole. It all started when my best friend showed up unannounced for dinner—kids in tow—and I needed to whip up something fast. This casserole saved the day with its creamy, cheesy base, crispy bacon, and that irresistible potato chip topping. The best part? It’s one of those magical dishes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, it comes together in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this casserole never fails to disappear fast!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Trust me, this casserole is about to become your new go-to for so many reasons:

• Quick & easy: Throw it together in 15 minutes—perfect for those “I forgot to plan dinner” emergencies.
• Flavor bomb: Creamy, cheesy, smoky bacon, and that salty-crunchy chip topping? Yes, please!
• Kid-approved: My picky nephew calls it “the one with the chips on top” and always asks for seconds.
• Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long!).

Seriously, what’s not to love?

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Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, crave-worthy casserole. I’ve grouped them so you can grab items easily from your fridge and pantry:

• Protein power: 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works great!), 6 slices bacon (cooked crispy and crumbled)
• Creamy goodness: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (pack it in!), 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• Veggie pop: 1 cup frozen peas (or corn if you prefer)
• Flavor boosters: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste
• The crunch factor: 1 cup crushed potato chips (I’m partial to ridged chips – they hold up best!)

See? Nothing fancy – just simple ingredients that work magic together!

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How to Make Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Okay, let’s get cooking! This casserole comes together so easily, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure it turns out perfect every time. Don’t worry – even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ve got this!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, let’s get our ingredients ready. If you’re not using rotisserie chicken (my favorite shortcut!), simply poach or bake 2 chicken breasts, then shred them with two forks. For the bacon, I like to cook mine in the oven on a baking sheet – 15 minutes at 400°F gives you perfectly crispy strips with minimal mess. Pro tip: save that bacon grease for frying potatoes later!

Step 2: Mix the Base

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup. Add those frozen peas (no need to thaw – they’ll cook perfectly in the oven), garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until everything is evenly distributed. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and savory flavors.

Step 3: Add the Crunch

Spread your creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now for the crowning glory – take your crushed potato chips and sprinkle them evenly over the top. I like to use my hands for this to get nice, even coverage. The chips will toast up beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible golden crunch we all love. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges and the topping is perfectly golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – I know it’s hard to wait, but this helps everything set up nicely!

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Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Want to take your casserole from good to oh-my-goodness amazing? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

• Bacon matters: Use thick-cut bacon for extra smoky flavor and crunch – it holds up better in the casserole.
• Oven check: Every oven is different – peek at 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Chip strategy: Crush chips in the bag for less mess, but leave some bigger pieces for texture.
• Leftover love: Store in an airtight container – reheat in the oven to keep that crunch!

Follow these, and you’ll have everyone begging for the recipe!

Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried (and loved):

• Protein swaps: Turkey bacon works great for a lighter version, or try diced ham for a different smoky flavor.
• Cheese choices: Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like a little kick, or use mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Veggie boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition.
• Dietary tweaks: Use gluten-free chips and cream of mushroom soup for a GF version – just as delicious!

Don’t be afraid to make it your own – that’s half the fun!

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with simple sides. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. For heartier appetites, add roasted carrots or garlic green beans. It easily feeds 6 adults – or 4 very hungry teenagers! Pro tip: serve straight from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style vibe everyone loves.

Storing and Reheating

Here’s the good news – this casserole keeps like a dream! Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container (I love my glass ones for this) and they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to bring back that glorious crunch. Microwave works in a pinch, but trust me – the oven’s worth the wait to keep those chips crispy!

Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole FAQs

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note – these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients, but here’s the general breakdown per serving: about 450 calories, 30g fat, and 25g protein. Not bad for such a satisfying meal!

Irresistible 15-Minute Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole Recipe

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A delicious and hearty casserole combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a crunchy topping for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Sophia Collins
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup crushed potato chips
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, bacon, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle crushed potato chips evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• Substitute frozen corn for peas if preferred.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken bacon casserole, easy dinner recipe, comfort food